Fighting Disciplines
A-Z

This section features short summaries on various fighting disciplines
from around the world. Some of the disciplines below are also discussed
in greater detail in sections of their own. The list is far from complete,
and FightingArts.com intends to add more fighting disciplines as well
as additional information about disciplines already listed. We realize
that many important fighting traditions have not yet been included. This
should not be taken as purposeful but only as a temporary omission.

Aikido: (Japan) A system of self-defense (See
Do, Budo) developed in the 1920s by Morihei Usehiba from techniques of
Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu and other influences that stresses the harmonizing
of the body with offensive actions and energies in order to neutralize
aggression.

Aiki jujitsu: (Japan) Any jujitsu discipline
that incorporates principles of "aiki." One of the oldest of
these disciplines is Daito-ryu whose origin some suggest traces back to
the Heian period (794-1156) and whose techniques provided technical inspiration
for many aiki jujitsu disciplines as well as aikido, which developed in
the first half of the 20th century.

Atemi: (Japan) A general and inclusive term
referring to the arts (or various arts) of striking anatomical weak points.
Atemi in some form was prevalent in virtually all Japanese close range
combat disciplines such as that of the sword (kenjitsu) as well as in
later unarmed systems such as jujitsu and judo.

Bajujitsu: (Japan) The art of horsemanship
practiced by Japanese professional warriors (bushi or samurai) for mounted
warfare which required strict control of the horse's actions within a
battlefield conflict. As part of this art warriors developed their leg
strength to enable them to maintain the proper posture for prolonged periods
of swift riding and to control the horse with their legs during battle
when their arms were occupied with weapons.

Bando: (Burma) A general term meaning "way
of discipline" or "system of defense" referring to those
styles of unarmed and armed self-defense developed in Burma that employ
striking, kicking, grappling and locking techniques, throws, plus weapon
techniques introduced into the US by Dr. Maung Gi, a college professor
in 1960 (Head of the American Bando Association). Bando is often called
Burmese karate.

Bojitsu: (Japan/Okinawa) Meaning "art
of the staff." A collective term referring to martial systems employing
a bo, or long staff (over five feet in length), that developed in Japan,
Okinawa, China and elsewhere. The use of the bo dates back to times of
legend and is as old as man himself. In Japan hard wood was plentiful
and even the poorest individual could easily arm himself. A whole arsenal
of poles, staffs, spiked staffs, and long iron clubs were developed. The
bo was sometimes tipped in iron and sometimes totally covered by iron.
In modern times its practice is an inherent part of many styles of karate
and aikido.

To the traditional samurai armed with a cherished sword, the bo was considered
plebeian, a weapon of commoners. But because of its effectiveness it became
necessary to understand its use, if for nothing other than defensive reasons.
In Japan it's study was distinguished by its focus on techniques useful
against an opponent armed with a sword or other weapon. Techniques such
as blocking, parrying, striking, tripping, throwing off, off-balancing,
striking and thrusting were often combined into a single movement, the
most powerful of which could break a sword or shatter a bone.

The weapon has the unique advantage of having two ends, thus each successive
technique with one end opens up a possible technique with the other. The
skill level of a trained exponent is truly remarkable, the speed of movement
blurred to the eye. As a wooden instrument, however, the bo was comparably
safe compared to the sword and other bladed weapons. Thus the bo, or wooden
equivalent of swords and other weapons, are often used as substitutes
for actual bladed weapons practice in schools teaching weapon arts.

The bo was equally popular among commoners, priest and monks (who were
denied many weapons). A shorter version of the bo, called a "jo,"
also became widely practiced.

The founder of one of the most effective and famous schools of bo jitsu
was Muso Gonnosuke, an expert in the bo who was catapulted into prominence
by his loss of a match. Using a bo in a challenge against the two sword
legend Miyamoto Musashi, Gonnosuke lost but was spared his life. Gonnsouke
is said to have retreated into seclusion atop Mt. Homan where he underwent
years of rigid self-discipline. He meditated, fasted and underwent ritual
purification out of which he received divine inspiration. This led to
development of a shorter version of the bo that allowed quicker response
time. He developed his own special techniques, while borrowing from both
bo and sword techniques. He then challenged Musashi again, this time defeating
the sword legend. Gonnouke named his style Shindo-Muso Ryu and developed
technical curriculum.

The use of the bo, or staff, is so widespread that virtually every country
has its own tradition. In Europe the long staff was used by peasants during
the middle ages. In China the bo and other weapons were also widely practiced
and often incorporated into various kung fu systems. Likewise Okinawan
systems of bojitsu have their own traditions.

In the Ryukyus of which Okinawa is the largest island, bo kata are the
oldest of martial arts kata dating back to Matsu Higa, the weapons (kobudo)
teacher (sensei) of Takahara Peinchin. Actually oral tradition traces
the use of the bo back even further, to the 1400's. And after the Japanese
(Satsuma Clan) occupied Okinawa (1609), although bladed weapons were banned
there is some evidence that the bo was actually allowed to flourish, or
even taught, as a means of civilian defense against the possibility of
Chinese invasion. Today in Okinawa the bo and other traditional weapons
are taught separately, but have also been adopted by many karate systems.
Since many movements of Okinawan traditional weapons duplicate or closely
parallel techniques from karate, some suggest the unique character and
style of karate itself was influenced by these weapons. In researching
the techniques used, some authorities have noted the similarity of their
bo techniques to Japanese spear techniques, something that would support
the hypothesis that the Japanese Satsumura might have encouraged adoption
of bo techniques based on other Japanese weapon systems.

Capoeira: (Brazil) A beautiful
and dramatic Brazilian martial discipline founded by African slaves more
than 300 years ago in Angola and practiced as a religious dance before
being brought to Brazil where it was transformed into a self-defense system.
The system uses gymnastic type back flips, cart wheels, sweeping movements
and high kicks for evasion rather than blocks to avoid attack. Many counter
kicks are done from a hand stand-position, and most offensive techniques
employ the feet.

Cheibi Gad-Ga: (India) This is one
of the oldest Manipur martial arts that in modern times has evolved into
a competitive art. Contestants use a stick (known as "Cheibi")
encased in leather and about two and a half feet long in combination with
a leather shield (with three foot diameter) to represent an actual sword
and shield. The competition takes place on a flat circular surface approximately
twenty one feet in diameter. Within the circle are two lines each approximately
three feet long and six feet apart. The winner is the person who scores
the most points by skillfully striking his opponent. In ancient practice,
actual swords and spears were permitted.

Chin na: (China) The Chinese art of seizing
and locking that uses striking and seizing of acupuncture points, grasping
of tendons and blood vessels and the locking of joints, techniques widely
incorporated into Chinese fighting arts. Included also is a mix of throwing,
takedowns, kicking, punching and joint manipulations that parallel techniques
in judo, jujitsu and karate. Techniques are also associated with dim mak.

Daito-ryu: (Japan) An ancient system of
unarmed and armed combat founded by Shinra Saburo Minamoto during the
Heian period (794-1156) and perfected in battlefield warfare. The techniques
were most fully systematized (some say modified) by Sokaku Takeda with
sword and unarmed techniques practiced together. It was the first and
only tradition focused upon aiki-jujitsu. While it has inspired many succeeding
disciplines, including aikido founded by Morihei Usehiba (Takeda's student
from 1911-1918), daito-ryu proponents suggest that while the other systems
share aiki jujitsu nomenclature, the understanding of aiki, as well as
the techniques themselves, they may in fact be very different. See: aiki,
Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu.

Daito Ryu lays claim to being the oldest aiki-jujitsu in Japan. It is
a cultural treasure that in addition to being the progenitor of modern
aikido has greatly influenced many modern other cognate budo disciplines
(disciplines derived from warrior arts). It began its development when
Shinra Saburo no Minamoto (1045-1127), a relation of the Emperor Seiwa
who was to become the governor of Kai (modern Yamanashi Prefecture), studied
the body's secrets by dissecting cadavers. He researched the body's weak
points in order to discover how most effectively to attack them with a
sword and how to apply locks to its joints. He further learned how muscles
support the skeletal structure. The knowledge was passed to his descendants
in the Takeda family of Kai and Daito Ryu was further developed there
until the death of the family's most famous
General, Takeda Shingen in 1573.

In the mid-seventeenth century Takeda Kunitsugu, a relative of Takeda
Shingen, became a senior counselor to the son of Tokugawa Hidetaka, Lord
Hoshina Masayuki of the Aizu Han. Daito Ryu was combined with the Aizu
Han's oshiki uchi techniques and became the method of self-defense for
all Daimyo of the Aizu and those responsible for their protection. Daito
Ryu continued to be passed from generation to generation within the Takeda
family.

Takeda Sokaku Sensei formalized and named modern Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu.
With his knowledge and skill in Daito Ryu and Ono-ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu
(Sokaku den), he traveled all over Japan on foot, teaching and meeting
all challengers until his death in Aomori Prefecture in 1943 (Showa 18)
at the age of 89. In Sokaku's 70 years of martial travels he remained
undefeated, leaving behind an exceptionally rich curriculum of techniques
and his mark on the history of Japanese Classical and Modern Martial Arts.
Takeda Tokimune Sensei, Takeda Sokaku's son, organized the curriculum
of some 2884 techniques into a more readily teachable syllabus. Techniques
up to the 5th degree black belt level are included in the Shoden (beginning
level techniques) syllabus of 118 techniques plus many. These techniques
are executed from both sitting and standing positions as well as against
attacks from behind. Each level requires knowledge of a different set
of essential principles if one is to master the techniques.

In addition, Daito Ryu waza are categorized as Hiden Okugi, Chuden, Okuden,
Goshingo no te, Aiki no Jutsu, Daito Ryu Nito Ryu Hiden, Kaishaku Soden,
Soden, and Kaiden. Only a very few Daito Ryu teachers have extensive knowledge
of these techniques, and as of this writing all of these men are Japanese.
Tokimune Takeda Sensei passed away in 1993. The present Soke (head of
a school or tradition) of Daito Ryu is Takeda Seishu.

Dim mak: (China) Also dim mok, or dian mai.
The Chinese science of attacking the body and/or its acupuncture points
or centers in order to disrupt internal energy (ki, chi, or qi), organs,
or blood flow and cause injury, or death - immediately, or hours, days
or weeks later. Techniques are associated with chin na.

Hakuda: (Japan/Okinawa) In Japanese the term
is used to refer to Chinese Ch'uan Fa systems (Kempo in Japanese), meaning
to "beat by hand." Another term with the same meaning is Shuhaku.
In Okinawa the term hakuda was used more specifically to refer to the
art of striking the vital points (atemi) of another person in self-defense
without making the self impure. Hakuda in this context means "white
strike," or "striking without impurity," which is an ancient
Buddhist poetic description of the art. "Haku" means white (the
color symbolizing purity) and "da" means to strike or hit. Hakuda
is often combined with grabbing techniques (hakushu) found within many
Japanese, Okinawan kata and Korean hyung.

Hapkido: (Korea) The way of coordinated
energy (internal). A Korean martial discipline that combines karate like
moves (noted for its spectacular high kicks), judo throws and aikido circularity
and joint manipulations combined with Ki (Chi) or internal energy. Hapkido
was founded by Young Shui Choi in the late 1930's and early 1940's but
was practiced under a variety of names up until the 1960's. Choi had previously
studied daito ryu aiki jujitsu which he combined with his native hwarando
and taekyon (a kicking art not to be confused with taekwondo).

Hojojitsu: (Japan) "Cord Tying Art."
This art offers quick and efficient methods of tying and restraining an
opponent who is often struggling to escape. During the feudal warring
period confrontations between armed opponents didn't always end in death,
and this art was often used to finish off those who had already been subdued
or incapacitated. Often opposing warriors were taken prisoner. Grappling
techniques ended in hold downs, or other incapacitating positions. At
this point special techniques of tying up an opponent were utilized, the
art known as hojojitsu. Various binding patterns and methods were used
for different classes (warrior, noble, farmer, merchant, artisan, monk,
etc.) based on their habits, weapons and skills and/or anatomical differences.
The tying methods were intricate and assumed aesthetically beautiful patterns.

Hsing-i: (China) Also spelled Hsing-yi.
"Mind Form." A powerful ancient Chinese martial discipline based
on Chinese Cosmology (five element theory) that stresses direct linear
techniques combined with the use of internal energy (chi). Hsing-i moves
use power and speed to confront power directly and overwhelm it. Hsing-i
also employs several weapons including the knife and the sword. Its forms
are drawn from observations of animals and their fighting methods. The
system mimics concepts of animal fighting, along with postures based on
the five elements. The animals in some systems include: the horse, tiger,
monkey, swallow, snake, bear, leopard. cockerel, calercaille, dragon,
hawk and water skimmer. Other systems substitute the dove, turtle, falcon,
eagle and others. While the system visually resembles the hard styles
of Chinese kung fu (that emphasize muscle power), its real emphasis is
the development and control of internal energy (chi kung). "Hsing"
meaning "form" and "i" meaning "idea," or
"idea behind the external form" which includes not only physical
movements but knowing the intention or ideas of the opponent (intuition).
The emphasis on intuitive knowing is shared with Pa-qua (often taught
with Hsing-i) whose more circular, non-direct and evasive actions complement
hsing-i's the more linear technique .

Hsing-i came originally from the north of China (San Shih province) spreading
to Hepei, then to Hunan and Peking. Weapons include the knife and sword.
Hsing-i is a northern style that originated and spread elsewhere including
Peking. A famous story recounts how the famous Hsing-i boxer Kua Yun-Shen
challenged Tung Hai ch'uan, a famous pa qua teacher to a match. Pa Qua
was known for it evasion and circularity of technique that lay in stark
contrast to hsing-i's powerful linear style. The match lasted three days.
During the first two neither could gain advantage. Both were equally matched.
But on the third Tung defeated his challenger - the two ending up as friends
and vowing to thereafter teach the two styles together. Thus, even today
when you find one system the other is often taught along with it. Both
are classified as internal disciplines that develop and utilize internal
energy of Ki (chi in China). Both disciplines share the concept that the
mind unites actions and thought into one, so that training the mind allows
transformation of the internal to the external technique.

Hwarang-do: (Korea) "Flower man way,"
or "The way of the flowering manhood." A broad based and complex
Korean martial discipline that combines body movements with kicks, blocks
and strikes, throws, joint manipulations, choking and submission techniques,
ki training, weapons and the healing arts. The original art is said to
have been created over 1800 years ago by a Buddhist priest, Won Kwang
Bopsa. He was asked to instruct members of the royal family of Silla (one
of three kingdoms that divided the area that is now Korea) in a variety
of subjects, and his students went on to become warriors, statesmen and
leaders known collectively as the hwarang. Later, during periods of political
turmoil, training continued in secret within Buddhist monasteries and
was preserved. In the modern era, two brothers, Joo Bang Lee and Joo Sang
Lee, trained under the 57th successor of the system, the Buddhist monk
Suahm Dosa, and they were given permission to teach publicly in 1960.
Since then the art has spread under the direction of the World Hwarang-do
Association.

Iaijitsu: (Japan) The art of drawing the
sword and cutting as a single motion. It was traditionally a sub-specialization
of kenjitsu and one of several martial disciplines usually practiced by
traditional warriors before the modern era. In the 1930's it was popularized
as a separate discipline (iaido).

Jeet Kune Do: (United States) "Way
of the intercepting fist." An unarmed approach to combat developed
by Bruce Lee in 1967 and popularized with his martial arts movie career.
Jeet kune do is distinctive in that it does not employ a specific method
of fighting or collection of techniques as in other systems, but rather
stresses freedom to choose any technique or method best used by an individual
practitioner according to his physical makeup and skills. It is thus more
of a concept or approach to produce speed, power, timing, coordination,
footwork and intuition. Techniques are drawn from any number of arts -
aikido, jujitsu, wing chung, boxing, karate, tae kwon do, northern style
kung fu, wrestling and the weapon arts of escrima (kali). No kata is practiced,
since kata, it is believed, teaches specific methods, stances or techniques,
the very things from which jeet kune do attempts to free itself. Instead
jeet kune do stresses constant flowing change and broken rhythm that mimics
actual combat and reflects the truth that exists outside all molds and
patterns. Students are guided to their own truth, a process of self-discovery
that each person must find for himself.

Judo: (Japan) "Gentle or flexible way."
A modern competitive system, or sport involving throwing and ground grappling
that was founded by Jogoro Kano in 1882. In 1964 it was recognized as
an Olympic sport. Judo is composed of two characters, "ju" meaning
gentle or flexible and "do" meaning way or path.

Jujitsu: (Japan) Jujitsu is a generic term
that refers to all Japanese systems of combat characterized by unarmed
combat against armed and unarmed opponents using joint techniques, throws,
chokes and strikes. "Ju" meaning soft or gentle; "jitsu"(also
spelled Jutsu) meaning reality, truth, technique or method. Although the
kanji (character) for "Ju" suggests suppleness and yielding,
these arts were actually brutal in application, using strikes and kicks,
joint dislocations, throws and grappling. During the feudal period most
jujitsu systems were an integral part of other weapon combat systems,
the techniques used as extension of the weapons themselves or complimentary
to them. After 1860 many totally separate jujitsu systems arose, most
being specialized in certain techniques. In more modern times jujitsu
systems are more inclusive of a wider range of techniques. Modern judo
is also a result of a synthesis of several older jujitsu systems modernized
for safe practice.

Jukendo: (Japan) "Way of the bayonet."
While bayonet techniques were developed early as the1600's with the introduction
of rifles into Japan, in the Meiji era, a standard from of bayonet fighting
was developed, Juken Jitsu. It was taught in a special Tokyo military
training school (Toyama Gakko). Following World War II (1945) the study
was prohibited by the Allied occupation, only to be revived in a new form,
Jukendo. As a "do" form (meaning the "way" or "path")
Jukendo encompassed goals of spiritual and mental development as a byproduct
of disciplined practice. The discipline is practiced by Japanese self-defense
forces (armed forces) as well as other non-military clubs. Jukendo is
practiced by kata and two man drills. A competitive format was also adopted
to test skill levels. Contestants wear protective gear while rifles and
bayonets are simulated by wooden counterparts (mokuju). Techniques include
proper posture, thrusting and blocking aimed at three principal areas
which simulate a kill: heart, throat and lower left side. Kata is sometimes
used to practice technique.

Kalari Payattu: (India) "The
art of wielding weapons in the arena." Kalari Payattu is an ancient
form of combat from southern India. According to its tradition, this Ancient
martial art was founded by the Sage Parasurama around the fourth century
A.D. It was promoted heavily by the warrior Chieftain Thacholi Othenan
of North Malabar reaching its peak of popularity in the sixteenth Century.
This art was historically practiced by both men and women. One of the
most famous practitioners of this art was the legendary heroine Unniyarcha
who won many battles through her great skill. This art includes both armed
and unarmed techniques (known as "Verumkai") in which punches,
kicks and strikes are directed toward 108 Marman, or vital points. Movements
are further taught to be in coordination with breathing (pranayama). Body
exercises known as "maipayattu" include body twisting and turning
combined with leaps and jumps.

The kalaripayat student learns the efficient use of such weapons as the
"modi" (a double gazelle horned dagger), and the "otta"
(an "s" shaped stick made from a type of hardwood from the tamarind
tree). The otta stick is approximately two feet in length and usually
has a knobbed end for use in digging into various points of the central
nervous system. Metal weapons called "anga thari" are also used
in training. In combat these weapons consist of swords, sword and shield
combinations, knives, daggers, spears and the "urumi" a type
of very flexible double edged sword.

Karate: (Japan) "Empty hand." Karate
is a general term referring to the tradition of combat oriented empty
hand fighting methods that originated in Okinawa, often referred to as
karate- jitsu. Karate was introduced into Japan proper in the early 20th
Century where it was modified and systematized into a budo form, known
as karate-do. After World War II karate proliferated world-wide.

Karate-jitsu: (Japan) The art of karate.
Karate that is combat or purely self-defense oriented, more concerned
with proper technique and effectiveness than attainment of spiritual values
or self-improvement. See jitsu.

Kendo: (Japan) "The way of the sword".
Kendo is a modern do form ("do" is a philosophical term meaning
"way" or "path") which evolved from kenjitsu (warrior's
art of the sword). Kenjitsu, a general term referring to various sword
arts, originated in the 7th or 8th century and became a focus of training
for the professional warrior beginning in the 16th century until the modern
era, which began in 1868. Today kendo it is one of the most popular martial
disciplines in Japan and is taught as part of the public school curriculum.
Although a competitive sport, it emphasizes practice as a discipline to
develop personal, moral, ethical and spiritual values.

Kenjitsu: (Japan) The art of the sword
or the sword art of professional warriors (bushi) which flourished the
9th century onward only to decline rapidly during the long period of peace
(Edo period) just preceding the modern age.

Kung Fu: (China) Literally "energy
time" (katutei jitsu in Japanese). A general term referring to the
Chinese martial arts popularized by Bruce Lee films in the 1960's and
early 1970's as well as by the TV series "Kung Fu" starring
David Carridine. However, the term traces its roots to the early 19th
Century where it applied to a wide range of Taoist qi gong (chi kung)
energy (ki in Japanese) exercises. More recently the term has been applied
to those martial systems for fighting using empty hands or weapons that
number in the hundreds. Other similar terms include Wu Shu (Mandarin dialect)
popularized during the latter part of the 20th century, Kuo Chi (popularized
in the late 1920's), Ch'uan Fa (way of the fist), Ch'uan Shu, Gwo Sho,
and Chung Ku Ch'uan.

Musti Yudha: (India) "Mukki Boxing."
This brutal form of bare hand fighting devoid of leg techniques existed
for some three hundred and fifty years in the Benares (India) prior to
being officially banned. It then went underground in its practice. It
is alleged to have experienced a revival from the most unlikely of benefactors,
the British Police Chief. Multiple opponent bouts were often held although
this has given way to the more common individual bout. Few rules exist
and one may target any point on the body save the genitals. Deaths within
these contests are reputed to be numerous. Mukki Boxers are known for
their extreme emphasis on hand conditioning, and a well trained boxer
can shatter a coconut with a blow.

Pa Qua: (China) A form of Daoist boxing meaning
"eight diagram palm," referring to the eight trigrams symbols
used as the basis of the Chinese classic, I-Chang (Book of Changes), reflects
the constant change and intuition central to pa qua practice. Pa Qua's
central exercise is walking in a circular pattern with careful foot and
body postures. But this should not be confused with the discipline's strategy.
Many assume that a pa qua practitioner circles an opponent looking for
an opening, but the circularity instead refers to use of circular movement
- shifting, adjusting and turning as a method of gaining advantage to
the side or behind. Opponents attacks are avoided, redirected, dissolved,
lead or unbalanced. This allows for short, powerful counters. Defenders
sometimes flow around an opponent's center, sometimes they enter into
the center. They are always spinning, unbalancing and controlling -- with
constant counterattacks of sticking, open hand attacks, elbows, striking
palms --always avoiding any fixed position or direct resistance. The effect
is to create circular energy and power within circular movement of the
opponent -- a method reminiscent in strategy to aikido.

Although pa qua's origin is unknown, history recounts that the discipline
was taught to Tung Hai ch'uan (1798-1879) around 1820 by an unnamed Taoist
priest in Kaingsu province who found Tung nearly dead from starvation
and nursed him back to health. Later Tung moved to Peking and became quite
well know for his boxing skills. There he was challenged by another famous
boxer, Kua Yun-Shen, from a rival style, Hsing-i (divine hand) that was
known for its direct and powerful linear style. The match lasted three
days. During the first two neither could gain advantage. Both were equally
matched. But on the third day Tung took the offensive and ended up defeating
his challenger. The two ended up as friends and vowed thereafter to teach
the two styles together. Thus, even today when you find one system, the
other is often taught along with it. Both are classified as internal disciplines
that develop and utilize internal energy of Ki (chi in China). Both disciplines
share the concept that the mind unites actions and thought into one. Thus
training the mind allows transformation of the internal to the external
technique. Pa qua is classified as an internal system along with Hsing-i
and tai chi chuan.

Sarit-Sarak: (India) Sarit-Sarak is
an art of bare handed combat emphasizing evasive skills and offensive
attack. According to its lore, the Dragon God, Lainingthou Pakhangba,
ordered King Mungyamba to kill the demon Moydana of Khagi and taught him
the ways of combat and presented him with a special spear and sword for
this purpose. A local Indian dance
known as the Manipuri also finds its origins with this martial practice.

Shuai Chiao: (China) Sometimes referred
to as Chinese Judo, shuai chiao is an combative system that evolved out
of ancient fighting traditions dating back thousands of years. Originally
called Chiao-ti, it has since evolved into the modern shuai chiao which
integrates punches, kicks, holds, grappling and throws (and breakfalls)
into the system. Shuai chiao is related to Sanshou which also uses similar
techniques but has a different competitive emphasis, sanshou giving points
to successful kicking and punching techniques with less emphasis on throwing
(due to restrictions imposed by protective gloves and a three second holding
limit), while shuai chiao emphasizes throws. Differences exist, however,
between its practice in China, Taiwan and elsewhere. In China alone four
major styles exist - Mongolian, Peking, Paoting and Tientsin, each with
its own methods. Each stresses different approaches to enter the range
and obtain strategic advantage over the opponent's defense.

Silambam: (India) The art of staff fighting
has a long history in India. In the Vedic age, young men were routinely
trained to defend themselves with staffs and experts in their use were
known to give them names, perhaps in much the same fashion that Samurai
named katana (swords). The long staff was already highly organized as
both a method of self-defense and competitive sport in the State of Tamil
as early as the first century A.D., and accounts in the second century
(Silapathiharam Tamil literature) abound with tales of the sale of Silambam
staffs, swords and armor to foreigners. Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as
well as the Dravidian kings (kingdoms in southern India and Northern Ceylon
that shared a common family of languages) frequented the Madurai trading
center where the Silambam staff was considered a commodity. It is believed
that the Silambum staff of Tamil was transported to Malaysia where its
practice as a self-defense form flourished. The Silambam staff two hand
technique makes use of swift and agile footwork allowing precision and
momentum to be channeled into thrusting, cutting and sweeping strokes.
The Silambam student develops defensive skills by learning to deflect
stones thrown by groups of fellow practitioners with techniques called
such things as the Monkey Strike, and the Hawk Strike, the Snake Strike.

Silambam Matches: Using staffs
the ends of which have been dipped in powder, the opponents seek to touch
each other, with one point being awarded for touching below the waist
and two for above. Three unanswered touches or a single touch to the forehead
means victory, and the competitor who fails to maintain control of his
staff also loses. Matches take place on firm ground in a circular twenty
to twenty-five foot area. Matches have a predetermined time period.

Taijutsu: (Japan) "Body Art."
A system similar to jujitsu that included vital point striking arts (atemi)
and a variety of hand held weapons, such as the Bankokuchoko which was
a metal ring similar to brass knuckles used in the west. It was a specialty
of a number of jujitsu systems, namely Nagao Ryu and Kito Ryu.

Thang-ta: (India) Thang-ta refers to the
art of using the sword or spear against one or more opponents. This particular
martial school of weaponry is related directly to Tantric practices and
is practiced in three distinct ways. The first is completely ritual in
nature; the second is comprised of a series of sword and spear dances
and the third is actual combat. This art is reputed to share a common
origin with Sarit-Sarak.

Thoda: (India) This remnant of martial culture
is popular in the districts of Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan. Probably best
described as a group demonstration sport, "thoda" is the art
of archery. It takes its name from the circular wooden ball used to replace
the deadly arrowhead. Bows ranging in size from three and a half to six
feet are used in its practice. The archers divide themselves into groups
called the "Saathis" and the "Pashi," who are reputed
to represent the descendants of the Pandavas and the Kauravas who in the
days of the Mahabharata frequently battled in the Valleys of Kulu and
Manali. Competition takes place yearly on Baisakhi Day (April 13th and
14th which honors the Goddesses Durga and Mashoo). The event takes place
on a marked fairground as both groups face each other at a distance of
approximately ten yards. Each group in turn fires its arrows, targeting
the opponents' leg area beneath the knee. Points are detracted for hits
to other areas. The defenders may dance about, side step and kick their
legs in an effort to foil accurate aim. All the while, observers cheer
from the sidelines while participating teams sing and play martial music.

Varjamushti: (India) "Diamond Fist
Boxing." This form of Pugilism was reputedly developed by the Brahmin
Caste of Western India around the ninth or tenth century. Blows where
permitted to the face and chest only and were delivered through the use
of a single set of metal knuckles worn on one hand. The knuckles generally
bore the pronged pyramid design , hence the name "diamond fist boxing."
It is needless to say that serious injuries and deaths contributed to
the decline in popularity of its practice. The art reputedly still has
a small but loyal following who hold yearly bouts in the Gujurat region
of India.

Wing Chung: (China) "Beautiful Springtime."
A southern Chinese fighting discipline that avoids "hard style"
techniques and alternate blocking and striking in favor of techniques
that flow with the opponent's actions instead of trying to stop or overpower
them. The discipline was popularized in the late 1960's and early 1970's
through its association with Bruce Lee. The discipline is characterized
by aggressive close in fighting where hands and arms are able to sense
and control the opponents limbs through deflection, trapping and pulling
called "sticky hands" (Chi Sao)

Wu Shu: (China) A general term adopted by
the Peoples Republic of China (mainland China) denoting "skill"
or "ability" that refers to a wide variety of Chinese martial
arts. In the 1950's, with renewed interest in martial arts, the government
of mainland China established a wu shu committee to examine all fighting
styles and modernize or synthesize them. In 1955 China's Physical Culture
and Sports Commission continued this work while also conducting research
to discover additional disciplines -- all to be molded to conform to policies
on cultural heritage. Wu Shu is now taught in many primary and middle
schools in China as well as within physical culture institutes. Throughout
China it is common to see wu shu as well as qi gong and other exercises
practiced by citizens within parks early in the morning or in the evening.
In 1974, and later in 1980 and thereafter, performance groups representing
wu shu toured the U.S. Wu shu is also frequently performed within a growing
number of marital arts events and competitions. Wu shu in the west is
better know under the term kung fu, a term popularized by Bruce Lee films
in the 1960's and early 1970's as well as by the TV series "Kung
Fu" staring David Carridine. Other similar terms include Kuo Chi
(popularized in the late 1920's), Ch'uan Fa (way of the fist), Ch'uan
Shu, Gwo Sho, and Chung Ku Ch'uan.